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Could it be aliens? From Cheyava Falls on Mars to exoplanet K2 18b – here’s what scientists really think

What do scientists really think about signs of alien life? Professor Peter Vickers, Head of our Department of Philosophy, takes a look.
An image of a blue planet in space

Could it be aliens? From Cheyava Falls on Mars to exoplanet K2 18b – here’s what scientists really think

What do scientists really think about signs of alien life? Professor Peter Vickers, Head of our Department of Philosophy, takes a look.
An image of a blue planet in space

The story of Pope Leo’s ‘landmark’ text on AI technology – by a member of its launch panel

Professor Anna Rowlands, in our Department of Theology and Religion/Centre for Catholic Studies, has helped Pope Leo XIV launch his first social encyclical focused on being human in a time of AI. Here she talks about the importance of Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity).
As seen from behind, Pope Leo waves to crowds while standing on the back of the Popemobile.

A renewed foundation for a long-term UK-EU partnership in education, research and innovation

Our Vice-Chancellor Professor Karen O'Brien, with Professors Chris Day, Peter Mathieson, Evelyn Welch, and Shearer West, vice-chancellors of the universities of Newcastle, Edinburgh, Bristol, and Leeds, respectively, have written on UK-EU partnership for The Coimbra Group.
Professor Karen O'Brien, Vice-Chancellor and Warden of Durham University, stood smiling with arms folded, in front of bookshelves

Classics in the Public Sphere: Education, Outreach and Engagement

This international conference is organised by Professor Arlene Holmes-Henderson (Durham University, UK) and Dr André Simões (University of Lisbon, Portugal) as part of their collaboration funded by The Centre for Classical Studies (CEC), in the School of Arts and Humanities at the University of Lisbon. It occurs during Arlene’s term as the Gulbenkian Foundation’s Visiting Professor in the Humanities in 2026-2027.
A tram in Lisbon, Portugal

Prof Elisa Morgera Contributes to Climate Justice Discussions in Australia

Professor Elisa Morgera conducted an academic visit to Australia in mid-May in her capacity as UN Special Rapporteur on Climate Change and Human Rights, contributing to national and international discussions on human rights, climate governance, and the energy transition.
Elisa Australia

Global research team to tackle soil crisis in sub–Saharan Africa

An international team of researchers led by our Physics Department is developing a new way to tackle soil degradation in sub–Saharan Africa.
A man in a checked shirt and orange trousers working in a crop field.

Young children have long-lasting memories of vegetable smells experienced in the womb

Experiencing bitter or non-bitter flavours before birth can shape taste likes or dislikes after being born, according to new research led by our Department of Psychology.
A young boy wearing glasses and sitting at a table eats a green vegetable from a plate full of vegetables.

Honorary fellowship awarded for transformative research on peatlands and climate processes

Professor Martin Evans, Executive Dean in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Health, has been made an honorary fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (RGS).
Professor Martin Evans is pictured in a brown jacket and white shirt in the Palatine Centre

Communication gaps undermine social innovation, study finds

New research from our Management and Marketing Department shows that misunderstandings between investors and founders are a major reason why social innovation ventures fail to grow. In many cases, they collapse altogether.
Diverse team collaborating in modern office

Durham and Italy: Strengthening Cultural and Academic Collaboration

We welcomed Dr Francesco Bongarrà, Director of the Italian Cultural Institute in London, and Mr Gabriele Magagnin, Italian Consul General (Manchester), to celebrate and strengthen our longstanding ties with Italy. We marked our strong international profile and our deep and enduring connections with Italian institutions, underpinned by close collaborations with the Italian Cultural Institute in London since 2015.
People posed around a table

Home distractions harm remote workers’ wellbeing and productivity, study finds

Remote working can damage work-life balance, wellbeing and productivity unless clear boundaries are in place, new research finds.
Happy man working alone in a tidy room at home